Vij's Restaurant, Vancouver

This is a MUST is eating out or taking out when in Vancouver. I pack it back home on the plane.

I was working in the area with my daughter in tow and we needed a dinner break. Although Vij's doesn't take reservations, it opens at 5:30 p.m. The sophisticated, hungry crowds do not arrive until 6:10 p.m. and so my daughter and I were seated and treated to a fantastic meal. I had the succulent lamb popsicles which Vikram Vij would so love to take off the menu. They were to die for, as always. My daughter was served a filling kid's plate of dal, roti and raita which hit the spot. The service was cheerful and prompt unlike many restaurants who find themselves dealing with young children. Exactly what we needed at a very reasonable price.

Imagine finding short ribs of beef on an Indian menu...this is the kind of inventive cuisine ViJ brings to his charming and intimate restaurant. The short ribs are seasoned with Indian spices to stay true to their roots and the taste is sublime. From the food to the decor, this is unlike any other Indian restaurant you've ever been to. There is actually a school of thought that says that this place is second only to certain London restaurants for Indian food.

I didn't mind not having a reservation as the hostess was gracious and attentive even though the place was packed. The "show" in the kitchen was unbelievable, the word choreographed comes to mind. Then there was the food, I have never appreciated Indian cuisine until now!! Yes I will return. My son-in-law is a chef and yes "this is the place where chefs would eat" and do, as you say in your review.

We went to Vij's on a recommendation from Chowhounds.com and then a second recommendation while we were in Vancouver from a waiter who told us, this is where the chefs would go if they could choose a restaurant! We were not disappointed. The gracious hostess circulates through the bar/waiting room with a tray of fragrant and delicious appetizers. Vij comes to your table to assist you with your choices. We said, "We don't know what to order." His choices for us after hearing our food tastes was fabulous, including breadfruit and lamb "popsicles." The Chai served after the meal was the finishing touch. The place was jammed on a rainy Thursday night and there are no reservations, so go planning to enjoy a glass of wine and people watch while you taste the complimentary appetizers. It was an evening to remember.